Mighty Mouse My Hero HD Review

Our Review by Lisa Caplan on February 29th, 2012
Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: MIGHTY FUN
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CBS Interactive brings the cartoon classic to iOS gaming with loads of punch.



Developer: CBS Interactive

Price: $1.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPad 2

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Game Controls Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar


What do you get when you mix a classic super hero, albeit of diminutive size, with Jetpack Joyride style gameplay? If you’re CBS Interactive, and looking to export a beloved TV icon from the way-back machine to an iOS game, its all about a rodent who has come to save gamers' day. Mighty Mouse My Hero HD (also available for iPhone) is a 2D platformer that while derivative, packs a distinct and challenging punch.

Mighty Mouse has been appearing on screens since the 1940’s and his iOS gaming debut imports his catch phrase and classic styling evoking warm memories for those who watched network cartoons from the 50’s through the 80’s. The game, with the sing-song “Here I come to save the day!” and great graphics is definitely going to bring in the nostalgia junkies.

Although level based, the game obviously draws its primary influence from endless runner/flyer Jetpack Joyride, which in turn borrowed from Tiny Wings' winning formula. Here too players control airborne Mighty Mouse with the familiar tap to rise, let go to fall mechanic. Each level is laden with coins, or rather tiny cheese wheels, some even laid out to spell words right out of Halfbrick’s playbook.

There are single-use power-ups and level-skips that can be purchased with the cheese collected or fine fromage bundles purchased in-app. On offer too, some silly costumes, the wearing of which likely earns achievements and at minimum adds some extra charm.

Where this game departs from the formula is that Mighty Mouse is known to pack quite a wallop, so pummelling baddies with a tap on the punch button is essential. Hitting them head-on knocks them out and adds score boosts for combos. Also the levels have green mouldy cheddar-chips which, when eaten, deplete the currency collection.

While the levels are short they have a lot of variety to them. Some even require planning. It may take a few practice runs before players find the best strategy to survive and conquer on the harder boards that make up the total 60 spread across three worlds.

The only thing Might Mouse My Hero doesn’t borrow from the winning formula is objectives or missions. Without them the flights and fights can become a bit been-there, done-that. And, there is a strong push towards IAP’s as earning enough cheese is, for the best stuff, quite hard. Miss a few times on a level and a pop-over points players to the store.

Still, it is easy to enjoy the game without additional costs, the controls work very well, the design is appealing and in spite of myself I keep trying to make it past one more heart-shaped finish line.

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